North Texas Property Division Attorneys

An experienced divorce attorney is invaluable when dealing with asset division and coming to a property settlement agreement. At Hayes, Berry, White & Vanzant, LLP, we are happy to answer all your questions and address any concerns regarding what will happen to your assets and property during divorce. For a consultation with an asset division lawyer from our firm, we invite you to contact us online or call us at 940-230-2386.

Definitions of Property

A basic understanding of property definitions is a good starting point when tackling a divorce property settlement. The State of Texas divides property into two different categories:

Separate Property, which can be:

Items acquired prior to marriage

Items acquired during marriage via inheritance or gifting

Certain funds recovered by a spouse for personal injuries

Normally, each spouse keeps his or her own separate property in a divorce.

Community Property refers to all other property acquired during marriage or acquired with marital assets. As far as property settlements are concerned, community property is subject to an equitable division between spouses.

A Popular Misconception about Property Settlement Agreements

Some people believe wages earned by a spouse are that particular spouse’s separate property. However, this assumption is incorrect. A spouse’s wages acquired during marriage are considered community property.

An Example of Community Property

Let’s say you bought a bass boat during marriage. You make all the payments on the boat until it’s paid off, using money from your wage earnings. Your spouse never makes any contribution whatsoever to pay for the boat. These facts do not make the bass boat your separate property. For purposes of coming to a property settlement, the boat is community property and subject to equitable division.

Okay, So Who Gets the Boat?

The fact that the boat is community property (i.e., subject to equitable division) means either you or your spouse could receive the boat in a property settlement agreement. However, the situation above sets out persuasive reasoning — since you bought and paid for the boat, you should receive it in a court-ordered division. But if you receive the boat, you will likely have to give up some other piece of property or even cash so the ultimate division of community property is just and equitable. As spouses, you can agree on these matters, or the court can force a division upon you if you cannot agree. It is possible that the court could order the boat to be sold and have the proceeds divided.

The above is just one example of many issues addressed during property settlement. At Hayes, Berry, White & Vanzant, LLP, our asset division attorneys employ a wealth of knowledge and skills to determine how to divide assets, whether your issues are complicated or straightforward. We will review your finances, answer your questions, explain how the Texas Family Code relates to your property-division concerns and advise the best course of action.

Contact our attorneys for assistance with property settlement

If you need assistance with a property settlement agreement, we encourage you to contact our law firm online or give us a call at 940-230-2386 to speak to one of our asset division lawyers today. They will be happy to assist you in any way they can. We also offer family law services for matters such as spousal support, child custody and collaborative law.

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"Absolute best in the business hands down! Don White is absolutely amazing wouldn't ever consider using anyone else, we highly recommend this firm!"
- Alyssa McKissaack

"The best! Richard has been my family’s attorney for 35 years. Integrity best describes Richard Hayes."
- John Grafa

"From my first meeting with Mr. Berry and his staff, I was immediately relieved. The bankruptcy process was explained to me simply and objectively and I was made to feel at ease through the entire ordeal. I would hope to be able to retain Byron Berry for any future needs."
- Anonymous

"Great Firm with Great Lawyers! It was a great pleasure working with William and his team."
- Collin R. Geis

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Hayes, Berry, White & Vanzant, LLP is located in Denton, TX and serves clients in and around Denton, Wise, Cook and Collin Counties.

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